In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the LF-CC hybrid drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance battery, a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements, and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

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According to government figures, compact cars and hybrids have been the top choices so far for people taking advantage of the program.

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The commission picks the most compact solution, according to some simple criterion. (Say, add up the miles of boundary lines, giving any segments that track municipal borders a 50% discount, and go for the shortest total.) The mathematical challenge might inspire some gifted amateurs to weigh in.

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The new battery architecture may allow the development of more compact and less expensive battery systems, according to the researchers.

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The hottest-selling segments in the auto business should continue to be fuel-efficient small and midsize cars and crossover SUVs (including compact models), which combined account for around two-thirds of all new-vehicle sales according to Autodata.com.

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